A close friend once confided in me that she was facing serious financial struggles. She explained that she hadn’t been able to afford proper meals for several days, and my heart immediately went out to her. Wanting to help, I told her I would share some of the extra meals I usually prepare at home. My plan was to drop them off after work so she could have something comforting to eat.

Before leaving, I opened Instagram for a quick look and was caught off guard by her latest post. There she was, smiling with friends at a restaurant, surrounded by a table full of dishes. At first, I felt confused. I wondered if someone else had paid for her meal or if it was an older photo she decided to share. For a moment, I questioned whether she had exaggerated her struggles.

Rather than assuming the worst, I called her to check in. During our conversation, she admitted she felt embarrassed about her situation and didn’t want people online to know how difficult things had become. Posting the photo was her way of hiding her struggles. Her honesty made me realize how misleading social media can be, and how often people mask reality to protect their pride or image.

I still delivered the meals, and we ended up having an honest conversation about what she was going through. That experience reminded me how important it is to approach others with compassion instead of judgment. What we see online isn’t always the full story, but small acts of care and genuine understanding can make a real difference in someone’s life.